This Is Spinal Tap has been named the greatest comedy of all time in a poll assembled by Time Out.

The 1984 cult classic, directed by Rob Reiner, took the Number One spot above Airplane!, in second, and Monty Python’s Life Of Brian, which came third. Speaking about the choice for the top spot, Time Out critic David Jenkins said:

It’s sublimely funny and sharp – a comedy built for the long haul which matures with each viewing. It’s so perfectly constructed and performed, the characters so rich and realistic, that it’s initially a challenge to determine the dividing line between reality and fiction.

Voters taking part in the poll included Ghostbusters star Dan Aykroyd, Shaun Of The Dead director Edgar Wright and The Office co-creator Stephen Merchant.

The Top Ten was as follows:
1. This Is Spinal Tap
2. Airplane!
3. Monty Python’s Life Of Brian
4. Annie Hall
5. Monty Python And The Holy Grail
6. Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy
7. Withnail And I
8. Groundhog Day
9. Some Like It Hot
10. The Jerk

You can view the entire 100, and check out the contributors individual lists, over at the Time Out website.